17 to 24.—In all these rounds it would be difficult to assign the “best” to either. Scroggins was rushing in to make a hit, when Martin stopped him, but the latter fell from weakness.
25.—This was a good round. Martin hit and got away; and Scroggy also stopped with judgment. In closing, Scroggins threw Martin out of the ring. (Shouts of applause.)
26 to 28.—Scroggins laughed at Martin, when the latter ran in and gave him a nobber for it. Both down.
29 to 32.—These were milling rounds, and good on both sides. Counter hits passed. The nose of Scroggy looked rather queer, but he made some excellent stops. Martin’s right eye was damaged. In closing, Scroggins acted again with much manliness, disdaining to fall upon the Baker, which he might have done. (Applause, and two to one was offered in some places by the friends of Scroggins.)
33, 34.—The amateurs felt rather astonished that nothing decisive had as yet been effected. Scroggins showed good science, good pluck, full of laughter, and proved an ugly customer for the Baker. Martin in this round met Scroggins well as he was coming in by a facer; but the latter returned, and in closing, fell upon him heavily. He said to his second. “It is as right as the day,” meaning he should win it.
35 to 37.—Martin bled in the latter round from severe facers. Both down, but Martin undermost.
38.—Cautious sparring, during which time Scroggins smilingly observed to Martin, “I am not so easy a customer, Jack, as you expected.” “Never mind,” replied Martin; “how are you to win it?” Both down.
39.—Scroggins hit down just above the mark.
40 to 45.—Scroggins began playing some antics with his feet, not unlike his displays of fun at the Fives Court. He seemed quite at ease, and some parts of the ring took him for choice as an old favourite. One hour and thirty-two minutes had elapsed, and nothing decisive done, excepting that the youth of Martin was likely to serve longest.
46.—The face of Scroggins was the worse for the fight; Martin was piping—his mug, too, rather changed, but he scarcely bled.